“But it is now time to make people understand that these laws have been in our books for over a decade, it is now time for them to give back to the society.

“I think based on the understanding we have with the stakeholders, we are on the right direction.

“The payment of tax will be more convenient, more transparent and more accountable to all Nigerians and of course that will empower especially the state governments who gets 85 per cent of the VAT to do more for you and I,’’ fowler said.

He said that the automation would kick-off once all the stakeholders were in agreement.

“Coming up with the concept, we are not looking at any particular amount so it’s not budget based, it is convenient, transparent and accountable to all.

“It will start hopefully after this meeting and when we are all in agreement, then we start immediately,’’ he added.

Also speaking, Lanre Gbajabiamila, the Director-General NLRC, said that it would remain committed to the development and growth of the sector.

Mr Gbajabiamila said that it was partnering FIRS to engage stakeholders on VAT automation in the Nigerian lottery and gaming sector for inclusive growth.

He said that taxes were primarily employed by government to provide funding for essential services and social intervention programmes to ensure growth and development.

According to him, the importance of taxes cannot be over-emphasised in view of the country’s present economic challenges.

Mr Gbajabiamila said that VAT was essentially a tax, payable by the consumer at each stage of supply chain of delivering a product or service.

“In the gaming industry, product or service is rendered to agents who come in direct contact with players and they often collect VAT from players resulting in revenue loses to the government,’’ he said.

Mr Gbajabiamila said that these lapses must be addressed hence the reason for the stakeholders meeting.

He stressed the need for an all inclusive solution in tax payment for growth and development of the country.

Some of the stakeholders at the meeting, however, expressed concern on the need for a review of the law to avoid closure of lottery and gaming businesses

NAN reports that the VAT automation platform was being put together by Zurich Technologies.